8 Ways You Can Show Your Support When Someone Is Grieving

Death isn’t something that is easily dealt with at any time, and because of Covid-19, more people have been taken before their time. It can be hard to know how to support someone who is grieving, so we have put together a list of some of the ways you can show your support. 

Don’t Avoid 

Although we’re not able to just pop around and things need ot be a little more organized than we’re used to, avoiding someone who is grieving isn’t the right thing to do. Even if there are restrictions in place, emails, letters, phone calls, or text messages can go a long way. Even a few words saying ‘your thoughts are with them at this time’ is enough. If you have any memories of the person who has passed, these will most likely be welcomes. 

Sharing Bereavement Stories 

Having a similar experience can be really helpful for someone who is grieving, so if you have a simple experience with loss sharing it could help. Whether it’s from Wrongful prison deaths from COVID-19, loosing more than one family member to the virus, losing someone in an accident, or a parent from old age, your experience could help you to offer support as well as make the person feel less afraid to grieve. However, you should never compare your loss. 

Let Them Cry

Never stop someone from crying, they need to express their feeling not have them shut down. And remember it’s ok to be silent while someone cries or sobs, just knowing you are there can help, touching their hand or shoulder can help. Tears help your body to release stress but bear in mind, it’s also OK if someone doesn’t cry. Remember that it’s not good to avoid talking about the person who has passed because you are trying to prevent them from crying. The tears will be there at some point anyway, so don’t be afraid to talk about them. You may even find that the deceased person appreciates you not shying away from mentioning them. 

Offer To Help

In the first few days or weeks, the person who is grieving may find it difficult to accomplish everyday tasks. Cooking, eating, cleaning, everything simple seems hard and therefore this is the time when people often need the most help. Cook some meals that can be put in the freezer, grab a few essentials such as tea, coffee, and milk, and ask if there is anything you can do to help Even offering to take the dog for a walk when you visit is a nice gesture. 

Offer Them Support In Admin

There may be a lot of administration for them to sort out, especially if they were considered the next of kin to the person who has passed. Things like signing the death certificate, sorting out the funeral, and letting others know are all-important admin tasks to complete but are also extremely difficult at this terrible time. Offer your assistance, even if it is just a lift to the office. 

Don’t Push With The Funeral 

Although there isn’t usually a limit on who or how many people can attend a funeral at the moment there are different limitations across the globe. If you’re not a close family member don’t push to attend the funeral. Although it would be nice to offer your condolences and be able to pay your respects, there are other ways you can do this during this time. When there are no longer restrictions in place, going to a funeral or offering to escort someone to a funeral can be a nice way to show your support and be there when they need someone. 

Save The Flowers 

Although it’s nice to send flowers or place flowers on the grave, the grieving person is still going to be finding things tough for a long time after the funeral. Therefore, saving sending flowers until around three months after the bereavement can help that person to understand that they still have support even if others have got back to normal life. 

Remember Landmarks 

It’s a good idea to try and make a note of any important occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, etc. Grief can be worst these days and you may find that they need that extra bit of support on those days, especially the first one without them. 

These are some of the ways you can support those who are grieving. Remember grief is different for everyone, but offering your help and letting them know you are there for them can go a long way. 

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